Rythian will wait until the bartering is finished, then propose the same question to the elder.
I wouldn't mind some Ivory jewellery or that staff looking bit. Depends on how much they deem it worth though.
As it's just a machete Elisa will agree to their offer. Taking the Narwhal horn and passing it Szordrin.
Szordrin takes his time and examines all the people and the items that we are getting and giving away in this trade. His eyes wonder over the crew and the captain as well.
Do they have anything else for trade? Like spells or potions?
Szordrin takes the horn gleefully and a wicked look comes across his face. This will come in handy. Nicely done and thank you!
Continued discussions with the tribesmen allow Szordrin to determine they have no magical items or weapons or armor in their possession. The tribesmen do speak of dangers in the area like polar bears, whales, small ice demons, the legend of the Lost Island of Taane-Thak which no one has ever found, the elk that walks like a man, the snow owl from heavan and other stories that may or may not be myths. While talking the young chief notices the colorful clothing the men dress in.
Saulric stands back content to allow others to use their skills.
After an awkward silence the tribesmen thank the group for the weapons and then re-board their canoes and paddle off.
The group is left alone until the sailors sent to get water return in one of the boats but wait until the captain returns before boarding the ship.
They are scared of you.
Off in the distance you see the seal boat coming back with a load of dead seals.
Szordrin looks on as the tribesman row away from the ship
a chuckle comes out of his mouth along with an wicked smile.
Target practice....like hitting fish in a barrel...or tribesman on the open seas..
Kargeld and his men return from their seal hunt with a good catch in their possession. He sees his water detail still in the smaller boat and chastises them for being lilly-hearted. He barks his customary orders to get aboard and stow the gear and as he is yelling he sees the slender pure ivory staff in Szordrins hands and then looks out across the water searching for something. He says nothing but scowls as he continues to bark commands.
The boat sets sail on the original path as the sailors begin to cook seal meat for food. They leave a platter of wood covered in cooked seal meat for the group. The journey continues north and gets colder. After a few days travel the temperature plummets well below freezing and ice rime begins to form on the rigging. It begins to snow – intermittent flurries at first give way to fat flakes and biting winds. The crew lights up a few torches to provide both light and warmth in the freezing darkness.
A few furs and cloaks are brought out and left for you in the event you do not have cold weather gear. The garments are not runway level since these are sailors and smugglers, but will suffice for warmth. Kargeld comments that it is usually not this biting of a cold before going to his quarters with a bottle of grog for warmth.
"Well at least they gave us some warm weather gear... better than nothing." Alaric says as he dons a heavy cloak and grabs an extra fur to sleep under.
When Kergeld scowls at Szordrin, he simple lets a small smile creep up on the corners of his mouth.
He does not like it when he is not in control.
There are no seasons down below. There is only slight differences in temperature as you go deeper but that is it. This...stuff He looks at the snow falling f*#$ing sucks Rothe balls.. He turns and grabs another cloak to keep warm.
Finally the Frosthamar arrives at the ice-choked entrance to the River Taiga. Kargeld proves himself a worthy captain nimbly sailing the heavily laden craft through fields of floating jagged ice. He barks orders in norspik and his sailors scramble to comply. Again and again he turns the boat at just the right moment to pass between the broken shards calved from ancient glaciers.
Finally, after nerve-wracking hours of this, the boat pushes through the dangerous headwaters of the Taiga into the clear water of this almost uncharted mighty river.Beyond the headwaters is a land of savage wonders. The Taiga winds through a great northern forest that to the best of anyone’s knowledge has no name.
After miles and miles of picturesque pine trees frosted with new fallen snow, the ship comes to a great mountain range. This river flows through a great rift in the mountains that looks as if some impossible huge primordial giant smashed a pass through the grey slate.
The party travels south now, though this appears to have no effect on lessening the intense cold. They are headed to the great interior sea of Talingarde – Lake Tarik as it is known. To the south of that lake sits the Watch Wall. And on the northern banks in a wide wooded valley is the final destination – the camp of Sakkarot Fire-Axe.
It appears as if thousands of bugbears are already assembled. These savage humanoids are not pleased to see outsiders, especially humans. Worse, there are more than just bugbears here. The occasional polar bear lumbers around the camp untended.Fur-clad goblins scamper here and there, laughing with frenetic glee. Even a few hill giants gather at the camp’s fringes.
Kargeld looks over at Saulric and asks, "Still want me to dock for you? They look none to pleased with our presence. My men will not assist you in any way. We have no quarrel nor need to begin a quarrel with these goblinoids." and he spits on the deck.
Alaric shrugs, and waits for Saulric to give Kargeld an answer...
Bring up some shields with Fire-axe's emblem, should be enough to show us as friends.
That might not be such a great idea. If we show them what we have they could decide to take everything from us. He looks out over the land to the numerous creatures standing and watching them. They...well out number us...they just do. Do we know whom we are to...report to.
Szordrin looks on as these creature assemble near the docks.
If we are confronted we should try to finagle our way out of this, if not then we need to remove the threat as quickly and messy as we can. Back home when these creature would get out of hand it only took killing the verbal one in such a manor that it left no room for discussion.
They're already expecting an arms shipment. This stuff is going to them anyways. Let them take it. The good will we might get for giving them their own stuff is worth the risk.
Szordrin shakes his head and starts to walk away..
Very well then. Suit yourself but Bugbears are never ever satisfied with what is theirs. The will always strive to take more from whomever that want.
Kargeld shrugs his shoulders after Saulrics decision to land and orders his men to begin docking. There is only one place to dock the boat – a crudely made pier that juts into the river. On that pier are four hulking bugbears. They don’t seem pleased to see the Frosthammar.
Saulric grabs a shield with an emblem on it and walks down the plank.
"This is no place for your kind. No goblins among you, you not welcome. Sakkarot busy. Leave stuff and go!" the larger bugbear says loudly. It is apparent the bugbears are keen on testing the party, and the commotion has started to draw the attention of other goblinoids in the area.
Kargeld orders his men to stay on the vessel and to ready the boat for a quick exit if need be...
We have business with the Fire-Axe! Take us to him!
Szordrin just looks on..fingering his spell components...
Oh sh@t, what the f&*k is he thinking. This will not go well.
Rythian will nod, and move to stand next to Saulric.
yes... as he said, you will take us to him.
"Ha! You no scare us! Come down here and we make you eat your guts!" is the response the group receives from the bugbears. The exchange between you and them is starting to garner attention as other humanoids nearby stop and watch.
Szordrin allows his cowl to fall down. The anger that is on his face can be seen be most of those near the dock.
Well this is going to be fun.I hope we can nip this in the butt right here and now.
I will give you one chance to apologize and beg for forgiveness. I am in a generous mood this day and will let your insolence slide. Do not and I will have your hide as a rug to wipe my feet on as I disembark from this ship. I strongly suggest you grovel for forgiveness and escort us to Fire-Axe....or do we have a problem?
The larger bugbear shakes his head and then laughs at the drow...
"HA! you no scare me! I make tooth picks out of your bones!" and he draws his weapon and motions for the group to come down...
Alaric slinks behind a bulwark and uses his alter self ability to change into the form of a bugbear. He steps back out standing just behind Saulric, trying to look menacing.
Elisa has her bombs ready and is looking bored with all the shouting taking place.
"A shame we won't see you tell the Fire-axe that his weapons arrived, and that you refused them." She remarks casually.
Szordrin casually walks over to the boarding blank, standing at the top of it looking down at the creature. In a calm voice that show no emotion... he waves his hand at the plank.
by all means...please come play with my bones then.
The bugbears stand on the rickety dock daring the group to come down and hurling insults at all of you.
Rythian rolls his eyes, and mutters under his breath. He moves to the head of the ship before glaring down at the bugbear.
You DARE to hold up the workers of the Dark Prince? You DARE to challenge and impede us during our work? I will give you this LAST chance to grovel for forgiveness or so help me by the time I am done with you you will wish for death. And when your death finally comes you will know nothing but torment as I deliver you into his fiery grip for all eternity, with the knowledge that YOU attempted to halt his plans. I will not give you this chance again. Now, Kneel.
Prepare to sail.[b] Saulric jumps to the dock. [b]I'm sure the fire-axe will be more than happy to see his guests treated as little more than dogs. I on the other hand, am quite annoyed. Saulric smiles as he bares his sword.
Seeing Saulric jump down to the docks, Szordrin takes a few steps down the plank. His smile is one from ear to ear.
You have a loud voice for one that has the balls of a Kobold. You are out of chances and now it is time to suffer for your piss-poor judgement. His voice gets a little louder so that those that are gathering to join him can hear.
As of right now the only one that needs to be punished is that one. Anyone else that wishes to join him...please step forward
I am sure the Fire-Axe will be very displeased with your behavior
They seem to stammer at the combined efforts of the group as a crowd continues to form. A wave of pushing appears through the crowd and a great black-furred bugbear wielding an axe of flame pushes through the crowd. He hefts the axe with one hand and points it at the group asking, “Who sent you?” in unaccented common.
Cardinal Thorn.
Szordrin walks down and stand beside Saulric.
Yes, The Cardinal sent us here with gifts for you and your army. We are here to make sure such gifts are properly delivered.
At the answer given by Sualric, he smiles a toothy grin. “Then you are welcome here.” He turns to the somewhat stunned throng of bugbears who were getting ready to storm the boat and eat the occupants. “These people are my guests. I will deal with anyone who harms them. They are our allies!”
The bugbear war chief lowers his axe. "many have come to infiltrate our camp; evil humans, goblins, devilkin, and orcs. So i asked to ensure you came from him who i expected."
He walks on to the boat, causing most of the crew minus Kargeld to step back, and rips open one of the crates revealing finely made axes within. He tosses one to a nearby bugbear warrior who until this time only had a crude club to wield. “Behold, they bring us steel!” This causes a terrifying chorus of growls and cheers from the monstrous assembly.
The boat is unloaded. Sakkarot’s lieutenants see that each case is distributed and soon our villains can see a visible transformation in the camp. Where once there were a thousand bugbear savages, now there are a thousand bugbear soldiers each with new weapons and shields adorned with the emblem of the fire axe.
Sakkarot holds a feast in honor of the weapons shipment and their allies. The feast is a brutal, savage affair with bugbears wrestling and fighting each other and all manner of monsters in attendance. The highlight of the party is when a great shaggy dire boar recently captured from the northern woods is brought in shackles. One ton of angry pig is led in by a dozen bugbears who drag the beast before Sakkarot. Sakkarot beheads the already wounded animal with one mighty stroke from his fire axe. The beast is then spitted and roasted in a great open pit. The group sits at Fire-Axe’s table – a front row seat at this spectacle of savagery.
During the festivities he says to you all in whispered breath. "Before you leave I ask a favor of you. We speak after the celebration."
Saulric gulps down a goblet of the local brew. Of course friend!
Rythian looks on the events in mild distaste. Having already forgotten the worthless bugbear from earlier. To be forced to ally with these creatures.. They would be better as slaves. Alas, they have a role to play. At least their leader seems... capable... mostly.
Rythian finds the brew strong, crude and distasteful. He takes several fake sips to avoid confrontations, but that is all. He nods towards Fire-Axe, but says nothing.
Baziel munches on a stolen morsel, sitting invisible on the ground next to Rythian.
Elisa stays quiet, and keeps her weapons close at hand. Not drinking and eating little.
Alaric watches the proceedings and sniffs at the brew offered, takes a few sips to be polite, but does not drink more than that. These ... things... I guess they are useful allies, but they are crude and near beast-like... what can the Cardinal truly see in such an alliance? I hope he gets his money's worth out of this. This feasting seems interminable... I hope it's over soon, we have a captain and crew to kill and a boat to burn.
During the celebration and the beastial displays of strength and power, a few goblins go missing, most likely in the pot, and the bugbears try to impress you with their ferocity.
Sakkarot comes to collect you before the festivities close and leads you to a large animal skinned yurt in the center of the camp. He bids you to sit and then begins.
"I have a large goblinoid horde. No doubt. It may be enough. It may not. I could use more troops for the Cardinals plans though, to ensure success of the attack. I think you can help me."
You have my attention...
What did you have in mind friend? Saulric says as he gulps down another mouthful of the alcohol in his mug.
Hmmm. What is it you believe you need?
"Over the southern ridge is a bugbear tribe, the Bloody Klaws, who resist any attempt at joining with me, and with your Cardinal. They are led by a bugbear chief named Krakash. He holds power over the tribe because of three reasons, he is a powerful warrior, he has a loyal guard made up of Ogres and his sister is a witch of sorts that made him unable to be defeated by others of his kind. I cannot go challenge him because of this spell for not killing him in combat would make me look weak and disband my horde and tribal politics. Thus I have left him alone. If he were to suddenly be eliminated, along with his sister and the ogres then his second, Gargar, would swear allegiance to me and bring 500 spearmen with him." Sakkarot says and then stuffs some meat into his mouth. "I cant be involved nor do I want to know of your plans least some shaman uses magiks on me if you fail. If you accept then leave before the morrow and follow this map" he tosses a crude map on the ground showing the location over the ridge. "and I will tell the others you went hunting. If you decline then I will see you here in this yurt in the morrow before you depart on your journey." He pauses for a second before leaving the yurt.
After Sakkarot is done speaking and leaves, Alaric says, "Well. That certainly complicates things... and what of our other task?"
Wouldn't mind showing some of these creatures true power.. hmph.
I for one welcome it. More chances to hone my abilities the better. Besides, I've gotten an urge to show at least a few of these creatures true power.
I say we take a few days to spy on these creatures. We find out their routines and eliminate them. The larger the army the easier it will be for us in the end.